I belong to organizations that offer many opportunities for performance
I am a member in good standing and a nationally certified music teacher of MMTA (Massachusetts Music Teachers Association) state chapter of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)
NEPTA (New England Piano Teachers Association)
Students may also participate in the ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMS
I present an annual recital at the end of the school year, a reflection of the students’ hard work and accomplishments.
And there are recital rewards. . .
Students participate in the Mildred Freiberg Piano Festival in Belmont.
Selected students may perform in NEPTA (New England Piano Teachers Association) recitals that showcase young performers, composers, and ensembles at junior, intermediate, and senior levels.
ENSEMBLES
Playing chamber music is a unique opportunity that I offer. I organize groups in collaboration with students from the Belmont Public Schools and private teachers’ studios. Pianists’ listening abilities stretch when they work with string and wind players. Tuning, leading the group, starting and ending with precision are only some of the skills they learn through collaborative playing.
I form piano ensembles—duets (four hands at one piano) and trios (six hands at one piano)—to perform in my annual recital. Students are paired according to age and level. They learn to assert themselves when the melody is theirs, and learn to give way when they have the accompaniment. Most importantly, they learn that ensemble playing is indescribably fun and makes you laugh a lot!
Many of my students have performed at the Belmont Foundation for Education FBE annual gala, providing a festive ambience for guests as they arrive. Students enjoy playing classical and popular music in a relaxed setting.
I encourage students to perform
in whatever venue is available to them—school talent shows, jazz ensembles or accompanying a school chorus, at church and temple services and in retirement homes (for which they receive community service credits.) This picture was taken at the Prouty Garden at Children’s Hospital. It was wonderful to see stressed out medical staff rushing through the garden who then slowed down and smiled at the sound of the piano being played.